Six died over a week ago, and another three this week in more minibus related madness. It seems that speeding – excessive speeding – is the prime contributing factor in most of these accidents. However, there is another very important contributor: the passenger.
I had heard many stories of “wild drivers” from friends and neighbours. In response, I would tell them (very seriously) that they have a responsibility to demand that the driver “slow down.” Yet, about a year ago, when I had occasion to use public transportation, I ignored my own advice, and did exactly what everyday travellers do – absolutely nothing. It does not matter that I was on the verge of “slowing” the driver down, as I had done in private arrangements. What matters is that I did not utter a single word in protest when it was most needed.
Silence was maintained in the face of average cruising speeds of 120 kilometres per hour. Thoughts raced through my head of blown tyres, stray animals and a hole in the road. Still silence reigned, even as I felt the pull of the G-forces as the margins were pushed on a bus, of all things. My party included three children, but I did nothing. I observed that my neighbours were not teenagers, but grown adults; it was clear that for them this trip was routine, if not boring.
I must confess that I like a little acceleration myself, but I am left open mouthed when minibuses pass me as though I am standing still.
One does not need a speed gun to guess that they are travelling at something close to three times the speed limit. At these rates, it does not matter how skilled or experienced or alert the driver is; or the superior condition of the machine; or the driving conditions. As we all know too well, any development that calls for near instantaneous manoeuvres and responses will sooner than later result in mayhem and tragedy.
Given the continued carnage, passenger silence cannot be an option, and must cease to be the norm. I have resolved to follow my own advice, should circumstances arise in the future.
For speeding plus silence translates to tacit approval, which in turn can lead to destruction. Regular travellers owe it to themselves to speak up and speak out, if only for their own safety.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
